The Worldwide Recreation Builders Affiliation Basis (IGDA-F) has appointed former Microsoft exec Shannon Loftis as the brand new chair of its board of administrators.
She replaces one other fellow Microsoft alumni Ed Fries, who’s stepping down after a profitable 2 years main the group and can stay on the board.
After greater than 30 years of expertise in sport growth at Microsoft and past, Loftis retired from her job operating the Age of Empires studio at Microsoft in 2022. Together with her dedication to inclusion within the gaming and know-how areas, Loftis might be a useful addition to the IGDA Basis’s mission, the IGDA Basis mentioned.
After graduating with pc science and arithmetic levels from Duke College, Loftis joined Microsoft’s Video games group in 1995, the place she contributed to over 70 video games throughout PC, Xbox, and Xbox 360. A few of her contributions embody early on-line card video games, the Insanity collection (Motocross Insanity, Monster Truck Insanity, and Midtown Insanity), Challenge Gotham Racing, the Fable collection, the Viva Piñata collection, and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.
Transitioning to management roles at Microsoft, Loftis managed groups worldwide that have been liable for a lot of Microsoft’s current successes. She constructed the Good Science studio, which laid the groundwork and shipped the Kinect system and lots of of its titles.
She later guided Microsoft’s First Occasion International Publishing staff, which delivered bestselling titles like ReCore, Ori, Microsoft Informal Suite, and Flight Simulator. Earlier than retiring from Microsoft, she based World’s Edge, which is devoted to the award-winning Age of Empires collection. Since leaving Microsoft, Shannon has remained lively within the trade as a board member, advisor, marketing consultant, and mentor.
Loftis’ long-standing dedication to inclusion and connection stems from her experiences because the youngest in a big, shut household. She is fascinated by and passionate in regards to the methods know-how and leisure can construct group, which has pushed her profession with a ardour to forge connections.
“I’m thrilled and honored to guide this board, and to work intently with the inspiration and with the IGDA,” mentioned Loftis, in an announcement. “The IGDA Basis is among the most inclusive, intersectional, globally-relevant and efficient organizations in sport growth and I imagine our mission is extra essential in the present day than ever earlier than.”
Loftis has served on the IGDA Basis and AIAS’ board of administrators and co-founded the Microsoft’s Ladies in Gaming SIG with Bonnie Ross and Laura Fryer, which continues to be lively in the present day as a part of Video games 4 Everybody (G4E).
“I’ve labored alongside Shannon since our days at Microsoft; she’s a wonderful chief whose background and expertise within the trade make her an ideal match to tackle the position of Chair,” mentioned Ed Fries, who’s now founder . “I’m assured that the IGDA Basis will keep true to its values beneath her steerage.”
To be taught extra in regards to the IGDA Basis and to remain up to date on the most recent initiatives, go to the official web site at http://igdafoundation.org and comply with @IGDAFoundation on social media.
In a message to GamesBeat, Loftis mentioned, “Now, greater than ever, I imagine it’s essential for all voices to have a spot within the video games trade. Development and restoration would require vibrant and wholesome creativity throughout the globe. I’m passionate in regards to the mission and the people who the IGDA Basis empowers and couldn’t be extra thrilled for the following chapter.”
The Worldwide Recreation Builders Affiliation Basis (IGDA-F) is devoted to advancing inclusivity and variety within the gaming trade by offering alternatives, training, and assist for people from underrepresented communities.
The IGDA-F is sponsored by a beneficiant group of trade firms, together with Double Fantastic Productions, Stride PR, and Premack Rogers. Since 2008, the IGDA-F has supported greater than 1,000 alumni who now develop video games at each AAA and indie studios. For extra info, go to https://igdafoundation.org.
As a part of an IGDA Basis award, Karen Lawson, the daughter of sport trade pioneer Gerald Lawson, gave Muriel Tramis The Gerald Lawson Award for Achievement in Recreation Improvement at our GamesBeat Crossfire occasion throughout the Recreation Builders Convention. And GamesBeat exec Gina Joseph can be on the board of administrators of the IGDA Basis.
